Manqoba Mngqithi is back on the market and South African football is already talking about where the experienced coach might land next. The former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach left Tanzanian giants Young Africans towards the end of October, ending a short spell in East Africa that started with real promise.

His exit came as a surprise to many. In just over three months at Yanga he guided the club to the CAF Champions League group stages and lifted the Community Shield. Results were largely positive, yet Mngqithi pointed to deep internal issues at the club as the main reason he decided to walk away. He later explained on Metro FM that it came down to protecting his principles and the way he believes the game should be handled.

Soon after the departure, his name was linked with Kaizer Chiefs. Amakhosi had just gone out of the CAF Confederation Cup early and questions were being asked about the technical team. Chiefs, however, quickly moved to back their current coach and made it clear they remain committed to the project they already have in place. Mngqithi’s representative has also played down any formal approach from Naturena.

Attention then shifted to Mamelodi Sundowns. After the Brazilians crashed out of the CAF Champions League in the preliminary stages and lost the Super Cup, reports suggested the club was looking at Mngqithi as part of a possible co-coaching setup with Steve Komphela until the end of the season. Sundowns’ hierarchy has since indicated support for Miguel Cardoso continuing in the role, but the speculation has not fully gone away as pressure builds at Chloorkop.

Away from the big two clubs, sources say Mngqithi has already attracted interest both inside South Africa and from teams outside the country’s borders. Specific clubs have not been named, and it is still early days. What is clearer is that the 55-year-old is open to returning to the dugout during the current season — but only if the right project comes along.

For now, the former Golden Arrows and Sundowns coach is weighing his options carefully. With his track record and availability, clubs in the Premiership and beyond will be watching closely to see which opportunity he ultimately decides is the right one.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2120939708955930950?s=19